Number of Earth-like planets, what the Great Salt Lake tells us about the possibility of lie on Mars and what will happen to humanity when we make fir

Welcome! “Alien Life” tracks the latest discoveries and thoughts in the various elements of the famous Drake Equation. You may notice that this and future entries are shorter than usual; career, family and book deal commitments have forced me to cut back some of my projects. Now, here’s today’s news:
g Stars - A new research has suggested that life could have started in the universe 500 million years earlier than it did, but UV radiation suppressed its formation. See article.
g Abodes - More than one-third of the giant planet systems recently detected outside Earth's solar system may harbor Earth-like planets, many covered in deep oceans with potential for life, according to a 2006 study. See article.
g Life - Bonnie Baxter’s study of Utah’s Great Salt Lake makes her think there could be life on Mars. See article.
g Learning - In a recent essay on Space.com, SETI’s Edna DeVore smartly writes: “In the era of "Leave No Child Behind," I wonder when children find the time for their imaginations to spark and grow. In the classroom, often it's all about basics and test preparation. During out-of-school time, video games, television and earplug media leave little quiet time for mental exploration and development. When I consider gifts for children, I look for something that is both entertaining and mind expanding. I look for a good book; batteries not required.” Ah, words for the wise …
g Aftermath - Here’s one futurist’s thoughts about what will happen to humanity when we make first contact with aliens. I offer this site not for its scientific rigor but as an example of something all of us who care about astrobiology should consider: What are the trends in popular culture about first contact? Such thinking will greatly influence public reaction when first contact actually does occur. See article.